{"id":4274,"date":"2014-10-03T02:33:04","date_gmt":"2014-10-03T02:33:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lafeber.com\/staging\/vet\/?p=4274"},"modified":"2016-02-01T17:05:35","modified_gmt":"2016-02-01T17:05:35","slug":"basic-information-for-the-northern-blue-tongued-skink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/basic-information-for-the-northern-blue-tongued-skink\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Information Sheet: Northern Blue-Tongued Skink"},"content":{"rendered":"

Northern Blue-Tongued Skink (Tiliqua<\/em> spp.)<\/h1>\n
\"BTS<\/a>

Photo credit: Conor Lawless via Flickr Creative Commons<\/small><\/p><\/div>\n

Download the Skink Client Handout<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Natural history<\/h2>\n

<\/div>
\n

<\/p>\n

The blue-tongued skinks are represented by a variety of species, subspecies and races native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Two of the more common varieties in the pet trade are the northern, Tiliqua scincoides intermedia<\/em>, and Irian Jaya, an undescribed T. scincoides<\/em>. These ground-dwelling diurnal skinks have tiny legs and feet, heavy bodies, and a large, blue tongue that can be bared as a warning to potential enemies.<\/p>\n

Some blue-tongued skinks are domestically bred, however many are imported from Indonesia and New Guinea.<\/p>\n

<\/div>

<\/div>
\n
<\/p>\n

Taxonomy<\/h2>\n

<\/div>
\n


\nClass<\/strong>: Reptilia<\/em><\/p>\n

Order<\/strong>: Squamata<\/em><\/p>\n

Family<\/strong>: Scincidae<\/em>-skinks, sandfish<\/p>\n

<\/div>

<\/div><\/p>\n
\n

Color and size<\/h2>\n

<\/div>
\n


\nThis large, heavy-bodied skink has ridged or “keeled” scales and dark crossbands. Pink to orange coloring is often found on the sides.<\/p>\n

Adults reach 12-15 in (30-38 cm) in length.
\n<\/div>

<\/div>
\n
<\/p>\n

Diet<\/h2>\n

<\/div>
\n


\nBlue-tongued skinks are omnivores. They needs are best met by feeding a wide variety of foods:<\/p>\n